Kew Gardens is once again being transformed into a glittering, after-dark winter wonderland. Every evening, between 5pm and 10pm, guests are invited to walk the sparkling, mile-long path through the world-famous botanic gardens, lit by over a million twinkling lights.

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Now in its seventh year, Christmas at Kew is an annual fixture for some, loved for its laser show and fire garden. This winter, there’s several new attractions, too. For starters, there’s a new route which sees a waterfall of lights cascade down from the garden’s Treetop Walkway. Designed by Brighton-based ITHACA, the 10-minute display hopes to captivate visitors by creating a ‘sea of light’ at their feet.

Other highlights this year include smoking haze arches, a choir of holly bushes, and a walkway of glittering pink cherry trees. At the beginning of the trail, visitors can walk through a 20-metre tunnel of light arcades, Bifröst, created by French designers Studio Pitaya and inspired by the bridge of light in Norse mythology.

Stay warm with a mug of hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced cider as you take in the heat from the roasting pits, before moving on to meet the man of the moment himself in Kew's North Pole village, complete with dizzying fairground rides, and watch the stunning light display over the pond.

A word from the wise: like all good Christmas outings, Kew's festive wonderland gets busy. So, wrap up warm, prepare to be patient, and double up on mulled wine to avoid spending the evening in a queue.

Peckish and looking for somewhere indoors to warm up? Check out Kew’s new Pavilion Bar and Grill or duck into the Botanical restaurant, where a special Christmas dinner is being served.